Los Banos, CA (October 24, 2025) — In a press release issued Thursday, Assemblymember Esmeralda Soria (D-Merced) warned that millions of Californians could lose access to CalFresh, the state’s version of the federal SNAP food-assistance program, if the federal government shutdown is not resolved by the end of the day.
“Millions of Californians are at risk of losing essential food assistance — and we will not let that happen,” Soria said. “We’ve invested millions in food banks and local resources to ensure no Californian goes hungry. We need to put people over politics.”
According to state officials, the shutdown threatens benefits for 5.5 million Californians who rely on CalFresh for groceries. This figure is drawn from U.S. Census Bureau data compiled by the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, which reported 58,437 CalFresh recipients in Merced County in 2022.
CalFresh benefits are almost entirely federally funded, meaning payments could stop as early as November 1 if Congress fails to reach an agreement. In response, Governor Gavin Newsom announced that $80 million in state funds will be fast-tracked to support food banks and that the California National Guard will help distribute food statewide.
Local Resources for Los Banos Residents
For residents in Los Banos, several organizations are prepared to assist families who experience disruptions in food benefits:
- Bethel Community Church — 415 I Street, Los Banos | (209) 827-0797
Offers food-box distribution Tuesdays 9 a.m.–12 p.m., with additional hot meals and brown-bag programs. - The Salvation Army – Los Banos Corps — 1231 4th Street | (209) 827-4945
CLIENT SERVICE HOURS: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM, Monday – Thursday- HOT MEALS: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM, Tuesday
- HOT MEALS FOR TROOPS: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM, Wednesday
- HOT MEALS FOR HOMELESS: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM, Monday – Friday
- St. Alban Episcopal Church — 401 W. “I” Street | (209) 769-0283
Hosts emergency food distributions; residents should call ahead for availability. - Merced County Human Services Agency (Los Banos Office) — 947 W. Pacheco Blvd., Suite C | 1-855-421-6770
Offers CalFresh application assistance, benefit status verification, and referrals to food-bank partners.
State and local leaders are urging residents to reach out to these organizations or visit countyofmerced.com/4197/Food-Resources for updates and assistance as the shutdown continues.
The press release can be viewed at the link below.
